It’s time for another Alumni Spotlight! Today we’re proud to feature Doug Remley, Class of 2009! Doug’s journey from Massillon to the Smithsonian is nothing short of inspiring — check out his story below!
Q: What year did you graduate from Massillon Washington High School?
A: 2009
Q: What activities, clubs, or sports were you involved in during your time at WHS?
A: Student Council (president), band, choir, Washingtonians, Academic Challenge, musicals, French Club, National Honor Society, and many more.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your high school years?
A: One of my favorite memories from high school was the Advance Choir’s 2008 trip to Europe. My closest friends and I got to spend two weeks travelling, performing, and sight-seeing throughout The Netherlands, Germany, and Austria. A highlight of the trip was performing inside the Cologne Cathedral, the tallest twin-spired church in the world. (Yes, we climbed to the top!)
Q: What have you gone on to achieve since graduation?
A: After graduating, I moved to Washington, D.C., to attend The George Washington University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in political communication and a master’s degree in media and public affairs. Since 2014, I’ve been proud to work at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, where I currently serve as Senior Editor and Publications Manager. In this role, I lead the Museum’s Publications Office, which has produced more than thirty books over the past decade—each one contributing to the preservation and celebration of African American history and culture. My work has also taken me beyond the Museum’s walls. I’ve had the privilege of presenting at conferences and symposia around the world, most recently at a gathering on digital archives in Granada, Spain. I’ve also collaborated on projects with the White House, the Library of Congress, and leading museums across the country—experiences that continue to deepen my appreciation for the power of public history.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: There are two accomplishments that stand out as especially meaningful to me: The first was the release of the very first book I worked on at the Museum. After years of research, writing, editing, and collaboration, seeing visitors light up as they held the finished product in their hands was deeply rewarding. It reminded me of the power of storytelling and why I’m passionate about the work I do. The second was returning to Massillon in 2019 to present at the Massillon Museum on my work with the NMAAHC. Being invited back to my hometown to share how Massillon is represented on a national stage was a tremendous honor. It was especially moving to share my passions and speak in front of many of the people who shaped my journey and helped me become who I am today.
Q: How did your time at Massillon help prepare you for life after high school?
A: My time at Massillon taught me how to think critically, ask questions, and be a leader.
Q: What advice would you give to current Tigers?
A: Take every opportunity given to you and make opportunities for yourself when none exist—you never know where life will lead you!
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with fellow alumni?
A: Massillon is special, there’s really no place like it in the world. Go Tigers! Beat McKinley!
Let’s give a big Tiger shoutout to Doug Remley, Class of 2009!